Fr. Chris - Mary Mother of God - Homily

 Faith Resolutions"
The New Year is upon us, and traditionally, it has come to be known as a time for change, for renewal. When we think of the approach of the New Year, ‘civilized’ society seems to have shifted our focus, from a time of new, positive, productive, meaningful beginnings in the world at large – something for the betterment of humankind in general, to a time more for personal, private renewal – a time for New Year’s ‘Resolutions’! It has become mainly a time to take stock of ourselves.
 
After an often harsh personal assessment, we commit to changing ourselves for the better by improving our physical and mental health, and overall well-being: heading to the gymn, eating better, losing weight, working less, and getting to bed earlier. We hope to be more productive, to land the career we desired since our youth, maybe start writing the book we have been mulling over for years, or finally take the dream vacation we have pined for every day of our working life.
 
But what is wrong with this picture? It is all about us, the ego: me, myself and I. Our perspective over the privileged years many of us have enjoyed in ‘civilized’ society has taught us to focus too much on the self. But this flawed incentive has been with us for a very long time, as witnessed by Fr Michael McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus in the 1800s. This is why he formed the Knights, a group of Catholic Christian men whose fundamental purpose in life was to be of help to others in their communities, in imitation of Jesus Christ and his call to us.
 
“In service to One, in service to All” is the motto of the Knights of Columbus. Take note that there is no mention of “In service to self”. Christ taught us when we serve each other, we serve him, indirectly serving ourselves when we bring our gifts together to feed the poor, clothe the naked, give shelter to the vulnerable, and heal the sick. This is how society can become a vehicle for the common Christian good.  
 
Of course, it goes without saying that making plans to improve our personal lives, aiming for better health and care of the self, are all good things. But only as long as we ensure our commitments are to better ourselves for the betterment of others, to acknowledge and love the face of God in every face we meet on life’s journey, just as Mary loved and treasured the faces and words of the shepherds who greeted her.
 
A well-known personality learned this lesson 45 years ago. Actor and celebrity, Anthony Hopkins, will be celebrating his 83rd birthday this New Year’s Eve. According to ‘People’ Magazine, he owes this accomplishment to a “wake-up call” he had nearly half a century ago.
 
He was drinking himself to death, burdened by the stress of his career, “heading for disaster,” he said. “I’m not preaching, but I got a message, a little thought that said, ‘Do you want to live or die?’ and I said, ‘I want to live’. And suddenly the relief came, and my life has been amazing [ever since].”
 
Now, he encourages the young to “not give up”. “Today is the tomorrow you were so worried about yesterday, … Just keep in there, just keep fighting”.
 
Anthony said something else important, in fact critically important in his rebirth.  He said quite simply, but profoundly, that religion, God, had helped him get sober.
 
I believe the Holy Spirit sent that little message to Mr. Hopkins. I believe Christ led him back to the community who love him, restored his faith in his career – what he was so gifted to do, but now learn to do it for God and for the people in his world, as well as himself, and ultimately, though indirectly, for his own well-being.
 
Friends, in this coming year which will also have its challenges and difficulties, don’t give up! As Anthony said, “Keep in there. Keep fighting,” but fight in a positive way, knowing God is there with us, taking care of his sons and daughters.  
 
As we enter into 2021, perhaps consider this as a theme for the New Year:
“Love yourself enough to love God and to love your neighbour.”
 
May the Lord bless you and keep you, make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you, and give you peace.    
               
  – Rev Fr Christopher Tracey, Saint Joseph Parish, Saugeen Shores, Ontario